Alma Dizon - 4263 Quail Rd., Riverside Featured Listing

The Barton House has strong, simple lines that resonate with the ridgeline where it rests. It is located on a quiet cul-de-sac just above U.C. Riverside and just down the hill from the bright yellow C.

The landscaping includes flowering trees, some of which are shown here in different seasons. The jacaranda in the front yard is blooming this June, and the crepe myrtle by the front door will flower later in the summer.

The saucer magnolia by the front corner of the living room balcony flowered last January. The house also has lovely hill, city lights, and even some peek-a-boo mountain views, such as this one from the front door, photographed last winter.

The house shows its builders’ loving attention to detail in many ways. The tiles in the entryway continue inside and are the same in the foyer.

The smaller bedroom has a view of hills to the north and mountains further off to the west. The dual pane Pella windows in the two bedrooms have miniblinds in between the panes, so that they don’t require constant dusting and untangling. The sliding closet doors in both bedrooms are mirrored, and the bedroom floors are also carpeted.

The hall bathroom features a tub with Corian splash guards at the head and the foot. The large window looks onto a small atrium with shelves for knickknacks, lending the feel of a private garden corner.

The master bathroom sink and a small dressing area separates the walk-in closet from the toilet and shower. Ceramic tile with a saucer magnolia motif lines the area above the sink and is found again on the wall next to the toilet as well as inside the shower itself.

A covered balcony and trees view creates a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for the master bedroom. There is a second closet with mirrored doors along the brief hallway that separates the bedroom from the master bath.

The study faces the front door and backs up against the kitchen. It features built-in teak bookcases and cabinets.

Just behind the doorway is the breakfast nook, which was originally part of the balcony behind the master bedroom and was converted with permits by the original owners and builders. The door at the back of the breakfast nook leads out on to the balcony. From the breakfast nook window, there is a view of trees and the other balcony. This area also has some storage in the form of a counter and built-in cabinet that match the kitchen cabinetry. Aside from casual dining, this area could also function as an office or small art studio.

The kitchen features Corian counters and splashbacks. There is a raised, built-in cutting board, narrow Miele dishwasher, and a pleasant view from the window of the other balcony and trees.

The balcony seen from the kitchen window actually runs along 2 sides of the house, wrapping halfway around the living room and leading back to the front of the house where it stops just short of the saucer magnolia and jacaranda. It looks down onto the courtyard that lies to one side of the house and beyond to trees and hills.

Dining and living spaces flow into each other and are only minimally defined by differences in ceiling height and material. The floor and built-in cabinets on either end of the large picture window are oak. In one corner, there is a fireplace that can serve as a pleasant focal point in the winter. The kitchen opens out onto this shared living space, making it easy both to serve food and clean up as well as converse between the two areas.

Between the living area and the front door is an open stairwell that leads down to the laundry room and carport. A large window in the stairwell looks out to the crepe myrtle and affords some view of the front steps while still maintaining privacy. The windowsills, as elsewhere in the house, are made of Corian, so that plants and collectables won’t damage them.

The laundry room features a pantry area and workbenches, along with a sink and large mirror. The windowsill here is covered in tile.

The laundry room opens out into the carport where there are two built-in storage spaces. A third storage space is located just behind the carport and under the balcony that is off the master bedroom. One key opens the front door, carport door, and all storage areas.

The small courtyard is a lovely spot to sit and eat outdoors, surrounded by flowering plants and fruit trees. It is partially shaded by the balcony that goes around the living room.

A view of the balcony from below and a close-up of an exterior wall offer a glimpse of the quality of the workmanship. Note the beveled edges. The wood still glows a deep, warm red.

Behind the carport, steps lead down the terraced and irrigated back slope. Among the types of trees represented are blood orange, tangelo, macadamia, Valencia orange, grapefruit, Brazilian skyflower, and four kinds of eucalyptus.

4263 Quail Rd., Riverside, California 92507